In 2024, several significant healthcare-related legislative measures were passed in the U.S. aimed at addressing key challenges in the sector. Each of these changes has impacted different healthcare systems in unique ways, and staying abreast of new legal developments is important for being an informed member of the healthcare community.
Here, we take a look at some of the most noteworthy legal developments that occurred since the start of the year.
Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (LCMT)
As public concern around lack of transparency in healthcare pricing has grown, legislators have sought to increase visibility for medical costs with the Lower Costs, More Transparency (LCMT) Act. While it technically passed at the end of 2023, this bill initiated changes that have affected healthcare systems throughout the past year.
Specifically, the LCMT Act was designed to increase reporting requirements for healthcare institutions including hospitals, insurers, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Its goal is to make healthcare pricing more transparent, thereby empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their care. The LCMT Act also reflects the government’s ongoing emphasis on reduced healthcare costs for Americans.
Expansion of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage
This year, a major step was taken towards improving mental health care with new legislation expanding federal regulations. The 2024 updates to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act require insurers to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatments equally with medical services.
Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $240 million in funding to launch and expand mental health and substance use disorder coverage in more than 400 communities across the U.S., with the goal of caring for more than 10 million individuals. Its goals are to help people struggling with mental health and opioid crises.
Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Expansion
Building on efforts made in 2023, this year’s legislation allowed for further expansion of Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices. The provision was originally enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act. According to proponents, the measure is integral for lowering prescription costs for seniors, a key priority among the Biden-Harris Administration.
So far, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has selected ten drugs covered under Medicaid Part D for the first cycle of pricing negotiations, including certain medications for diabetes, arthritis, blood clot prevention, and heart failure. The negotiated prices will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
Telemedicine and Buprenorphine Access
One noteworthy development in 2024 concerned the regulation of telemedicine. Under the Telehealth Modernization Act, Congress extended telehealth flexibilities originally enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for continued use of telemedicine across state lines and for hospital-level care to be provided at home under Medicare through at least 2029. These measures help to expand access to care, especially in rural and underserved communities. Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration also introduced rules clarifying how controlled substances, including buprenorphine (used for opioid addiction treatment) can be prescribed via telemedicine.
Between staying up-to-date on new legislation and addressing the ongoing workforce shortage, healthcare organizations have many priorities to consider. If you’re looking to fill openings in your NICU, allow Ensearch to help. Specializing in pairing NNPs with healthcare organizations, we can help fill your openings with qualified full-time or locum professionals. Find out more about how we can expand your workforce and navigate healthcare staffing shortages successfully by scheduling a consultation with Ensearch today.
